SSD/CTR: WMD-PPI-K-035-05 (CCR) Exit cable on technical

UNCLAS ALMATY 000171

SIPDIS

DTRA for M. West, M. Sullivan (CTP)
State for EUR/PRA, VC/SM, NP/PTR, AC/SNI
NSC for M.A. Hayward
EUCOM J5-N for Col. Airis, DTRA LNO

SENSITIVE

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: OTRA PARM KZ ECONOMIC DTRO WMD
SUBJECT: SSD/CTR: WMD-PPI-K-035-05 (CCR) Exit cable on technical
discussions regarding implementation of the WMDIE-K-1 Project,
November 28-December 7, 2005



1. (SBU) Summary: Project Manager, Mr. John Booker, and
delegation participated in site visit and discussed programmatic
issues for the Weapons of Mass Destruction Infrastructure
Elimination (WMDIE-K-1) Project pursuant to referenced cables.
End summary.


2. (SBU) Objectives/Agenda
The purpose of the trip was to witness the closing of the right
side of the engineering structure and to discuss the status of
reporting requirements and payment issues.


3. (SBU) Actions Performed
Conducted a site visit from November 30 - December 4 and
witnessed the following:

Right Side:
The entry way to the right portal has been completely opened and
access to an acceptable workspace has been achieved. Expectations
are that the collapse of the structure should occur early the
week of December 19. A plug will then be constructed just in
front of the collapse and will be designed to prevent access from
around the sides, floor, and ceiling of the plug. All work is
expected to be completed by December 20. It should be noted that
there is no evidence of radioactive contamination anywhere in the
structure. Monitors found a crawl space that may have led to the
left side. This crawl space shows on all diagrams provided by
Russian officials. If so, it must connect to an uncontaminated
portion as there was no evidence of contamination migration. It
should also be noted that there was a slight air flow into the
tunnel and that the ceiling of the tunnel was wet. This air flow
could be due to air migrating through the fractures in the rock.

Left Side:
The construction of the platform over the left side to support
the drilling equipment is partially complete. The team witnessed
a high explosive detonation of large boulders preventing the
construction equipment from enlarging the platform. Work is
progressing satisfactorily with no major problems expected. The
largest uncertainty is associated with estimates of the locations
of the objects in the structure. Temporary protective structures
will be erected on the platform that will allow operations to be
conducted even during inclement weather. Much of the required
inert materials are already on site with more expected so there
should be no curtailment of operations due to lack of gravel or
sand. Cement has not been delivered to the site.

Overall assessment is that the work is progressing in accordance
with the work plan, no radioactive contamination has been found,
and the right side should be completed by the end of December.

Project manager advised the chief engineer to submit weekly
reports on time and in the prescribed format. The PM also
briefed incoming PM/DTRO-A Chief Ms. Laura Smiley on all aspects
of the project including DFAS contacts, payment authorization,
etc.


4. (U) Unresolved Issues/Concerns
None


5. (U) Resolution
NA


6. (U) DTRA POC is Ms. Laura Smiley, Chief, DTRO-A, voice: 7-3272-
504-976, email Smileyla@state.gov.